A self-declared monarch of Germany, Peter Fitzek, goes on trial in Düsseldorf with three associates, accused of heading a criminal organisation and establishing a rival state structure. Prosecutors allege the group created a Kingdom of Germany (KRD), ran a banking and insurance system, issued its own currency and forged documents, while avoiding tax and state oversight. Fitzek and co-defendants face up to 10 years in prison; the case highlights the Reichsbürger movement’s challenge to the federal republic.